The Drinking Water Compliance Assurance Section (DWCAS) is updating how Monitoring Schedules are displayed. Monitoring Schedules communicate water system’s sampling and reporting requirements, as well as additional compliance requirements. DWCAS recognizes that this is a significant change. Which is why the rollout of this change will be implemented in phases. Please share this article with others who may not have received it.
The new schedules come with added features (listed below) that will be beneficial to many users. The reasons for the change are complex: First, the current system has been in place since 2012, and is intertwined with our aging data system. Second, with our data system potentially nearing its end-of-life, and to ensure continuity with any potential future changes, we are transitioning to a new adaptable platform. Lastly, the new system will allow us to make updates faster, increase accessibility, and offer an interactive display.
The new schedules are now available, along with the current system, at our drinking water monitoring schedule website.
Before diving into the features this new system has to offer, we encourage water systems to refer to our new Drinking Water Schedules Information and Guide or overview video.
As a part of the update, the new schedules system allows for interactive tables. The tables within the monitoring schedule can be filtered by water system, operator, facility, analyte, monitoring period, frequency, and compliance schedule type. This means, associated contacts can filter to view all systems they are linked to. This will be helpful for contract operators managing multiple systems.
After using the filters, water systems are able to create a specific link that can be bookmarked or saved for future use. For more information about creating your own unique link, please refer to our Drinking Water Schedules Information and Guide. Using the link will automatically filter the report. The new system retains the ability for PDF downloads. For more information about downloading the report, please refer to our Drinking Water Schedules Information and Guide. The new system also allows for individual table exports for offline access. This feature will be helpful for large public water systems with requirements across numerous facilities.
DWCAS recently made updates to the AIMS (Am I Missing Something) Tool. This update now shows all satisfied sampling schedules. The satisfied schedules section in the monitoring schedules links directly to the AIMS tool without extra filtering (this link is also available in SWIFT). This process is also more consistent as it uses the same system we use internally for determining compliance. Next, compliance schedules are linked to the website for systems to easily get to the relevant information and form. The new platform is better aligned with Colorado’s digital accessibility requirements (CDPHE digital accessibility).
Anticipated Questions:
Q: Why is this happening?
A: Our data system is nearing its end-of-life. Updating now positions us for continuous service regardless of the future data system. In addition, this will help us better meet accessibility requirements established by State law.
Q: How do I use the new system?
A: It is available at the same website. A detailed Monitoring Schedules Help Guide and overview video have been created to help users. It also includes steps for downloading as a PDF and exporting tables.
Q: How will I know that samples have been received in the new system?
A: Schedules in the new system contain a direct link to the recently updated AIMS Tool, providing confirmation of satisfied monitoring requirements. This has the following improvements:
- Fully aligned with how compliance is determined internally.
- Includes monthly schedules, so all analytes and frequencies are in one location.
- Shows the number of samples received (instead of just stating the schedule was satisfied).
Q: Will the data still be updated weekly?
A: Yes, there is no change to the data update frequency. The updated schedules and AIMs tool will be available every Thursday morning.
Q: When is this happening?
A: We are targeting a complete implementation of the new Monitoring Schedule platform in Winter 2025. However, to ease the transition to the new system, from now through January 2026, both monitoring schedules are available online.
Q: I am having issues accessing my schedules. How can I fix this?
A: The monitoring schedules do not require a Google account to view. If you run into an issue, then your browser might not be up-to-date or a Google account might be tied to your browser. To fix this, you can try updating your browser, try a different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari are all supported), or open a new window using Private or Incognito Mode (this will remove any saved login information). In the new Private window or Incognito Mode window, then try accessing the monitoring schedules.
Please do not hesitate to contact us during this transition for assistance. Thank you all for your commitment to Colorado’s drinking water and for your continued support as we update the Monitoring Schedule system.
➽ Phillip Stanwood; Data, Records, and Reporting Unit Manager
